Preparing your wedding vows can be a very stressful time. What if you don't come up with the right thing to say? What if it is boring? What if she/he doesn't like it? These may be questions you ask yourself as time approaches. Remember to relax. Love doesn't have to be serious all the time! Get inspired with some funny love messages at FlowGo.com. Just because the idea of speaking personal thoughts to an audience isn't appealing, doesn't mean the marriage is going to fail. Most weddings don't exhibit custom vows and your speaking part could be minimal.To prepare your wedding vows, first gain ideas, then decide for which type of vows you are looking and which format to say your vows. Examples of the types of vows you must choose from include renewal vows, original vows, Christian or other traditional vows.

1. DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO WRITE YOUR OWN, OR USE TRADITIONAL VOWS

If you are the creative type, you might want to write your own vows. Sometimes the pre-packaged vows are just too generic to truly express your feelings. If thats the case, then go ahead and write something creative that encapsulates your love.

2. GET IDEAS FOR YOUR OWN VOWS

Carry a notebook with you to jot down notes and memories that may come up at unexpected times. Or, brainstorm with your loved one over a bottle of wine about the time you've spent together. Another method to getting your ideas on paper is to use stream of consciousness. Take out a sheet of paper and write every single thing that pops into your head. Be careful not to exclude any ideas. This technique uses the creative part of your brain and becoming critical could defeat the process.

Now that you have all of your ideas accessible, ask yourself some questions. What makes him/her unlike any one else? Why do you want to marry him/her? What do you hope to give? What do you hope to receive? Use this information to discuss who he/she is, who you are and what your expectations and visions are of the future. Decide what the main message is that you'd like to convey.

3. WRITE A POEM

Sometimes trying to rhyme, or come up with a theme helps in the creative process. Write a short love poem about your fiance and then break it down into vows. You can also review the love poems of famous masters, and steal ideas from them!

4. KEEP IT FAMILY-FRIENDLY

The one thing many people falter at when writing their own vows, is trying to interject inside-jokes, or take unnecessary jabs at their loved one. Believe me, nothing can ruin your perfect day more than a joke about your sex life. Keep it family-friendly, people will remember this for a long time to come. Or worse yet, have it on video.

5. TRADITOINAL TYPES OF VOWS

Renewal vows

There are many reasons couples choose to renew their wedding vows. Renewal vows differ from first-time wedding vows due to past experience through the years already shared in marriage. Some may feel that their old vows need to be updated to new promises. Children may want to be involved or even use a second wedding ceremony as a gift to their parents. Court house weddings and cracker jack rings may warrant upgrades as couples make financial gains or have more time for an elaborate honeymoon. Renewal ceremonies are occasionally used as a family reunion.

View some examples of renewal vows at Brilliant Wedding Pages .

6. CHRISTIAN VOWS

The most common religion in the United States is Christianity. This explains why the majority of weddings taking place in this country are not only in a church, but also use Christian wedding vows.

Click here to view samples of Christian wedding vows.

You may want to keep with the Christian tradition, but are not exclusive to one sect. For those, there are Episcopal vows and Lutheran vows.

7. OTHER TRADITIONAL VOWS

Some couples may be unsure of a particular religious denomination, disagree or just want to leave religion out of the ceremony without having to write their own vows. Under these conditions, the couple may choose to borrow from other traditions. This is fairly common for any wedding taking place without a minister.

View some secular examples at:Weddingyellowpages.net

Native verse tends to have many references to nature making it ideal for outdoor weddings. To find out if a Cherokee prayer could be right for your ceremony check out Invitationsgalore.com.

8. HOW TO SAY YOUR VOWS

There are a few different ways that you can choose to speak your vows. You may be asked a question from the officiate to which the response is I do. This is certainly the method foremost in our minds. This is ideal for a bride and groom that may be uncomfortable in front of an audience. It simplifies the process and is completely functional. It does lack in individuality and for a couple who wants something more personal, may not be the best choice.

The next choice is to repeat what the officiate says. We have all attended a ceremony demonstrating this method. You may hear the minister/priest say I ____ take you____ and the groom says, I____ take you____ and so forth. This technique is more personal and just as functional without forcing yourself to get over your stage fright. The words are still coming from the officiate.

Some couples may be completely comfortable speaking in front of an audience and prefer the words to come directly from their hearts. These are the custom vows. There is no form that these must follow. The definition of a vow is merely a solemn, lasting promise made unconditionally in the company of spectators. You can sing, dance, speak poetry or keep it simple. Custom vows may result in custom promises. You are not guaranteed to make the same promises to each other. In any of these circumstances, usually the groom says his vows followed by the bride. Occasionally, couples choose to say them together.